Surgery for Dogs and Cats
in Rocky Mount, NC

At Coats Veterinary Hospital, our highly-trained veterinarians perform a range of surgical procedures for dogs and cats while focusing on patient safety, careful monitoring, and thoughtful communication with you every step of the way. We understand that the idea of surgery can feel stressful. Our team always takes the time to explain each procedure, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s individual needs.

Cat nuzzling a small white dog on grass, in warm sunlight
Dentist in blue scrubs and mask working on a patient in a dental clinic, with bright exam light.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Our veterinarians perform many common soft tissue procedures, including:

  • Mass removal
  • Biopsy procedures
  • Gastropexy
  • Cystotomies
  • Pyometra surgery
  • Resection of stenotic nares
  • Eyelid resection (V-wedge procedures)
  • Third eyelid tack down
  • Enucleation
  • Tail, digit, or limb amputation

Each procedure begins with a careful evaluation of your pet’s health and the condition being treated. Your veterinarian will review the surgical plan with you so you understand what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Is Spay & Neuter Right for My Pet?

Spaying and neutering are among the most common surgical procedures performed on dogs and cats. These procedures help prevent unwanted litters and can support your pet’s long-term health.

Gloved hands hold a small calico kitten on a veterinary exam table
Gloved hands perform surgery with forceps and a retractor on a patient draped in blue in an operating room

Advanced and Specialty Procedures

Some orthopedic and specialty procedures can be arranged with a board-certified surgeon who works with our hospital. In certain cases, these procedures may be performed at Coats Veterinary Hospital, or we may coordinate a referral to a specialty hospital when that is the best option for your pet.

Examples of advanced procedures may include:

  • TPLO or ECR procedures
  • Medial patellar luxation repair
  • Advanced mass removals
  • Perineal urethrostomy
  • Anal sacculectomy

If a referral is recommended, our team will help guide you through the process and coordinate care with the specialist.

What to Expect on Your Pet’s Surgery Day

Our approach to surgery is hands-on and communication-focused. From the moment your pet arrives, our team works to ensure they are safe, comfortable, and carefully monitored throughout their stay.


Your pet will be checked in by a dedicated surgical technician or assistant, who will be involved in their care throughout their visit. This team member will also be the person you communicate with throughout the day, and who will meet you at pickup.


Before surgery, we perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork to help ensure anesthesia is safe for your pet. A dedicated team member will monitor your pet throughout the entirety of the procedure. We use a multimodal approach to pain control, including local pain management when appropriate.


Throughout the day, we will keep you updated as your pet moves through each stage of care. You may receive updates by phone or text when your pet is preparing for surgery, recovering from anesthesia, and ready to go home. We will do our best to share a quick photo or check-in call so you know how your pet is doing.

Tabby-and-white cat standing on a vet exam table, looking at the camera
Black puppy with a white chest, facing forward with mouth slightly open on a white background

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Recovery and aftercare are an important part of every surgical procedure. Our team provides individualized post-operative care instructions based on your pet’s procedure and needs. We also provide protective options to help prevent licking or irritation at the surgical site. Rather than relying only on traditional e-collars, we offer additional licking barriers when appropriate to support a smoother recovery.


When your pet is ready to go home, you will meet with the same team member who checked your pet in earlier in the day. They will review discharge instructions, discuss medications and recovery expectations, and answer any questions you may have.

Collaborative Surgical Care

Coats Veterinary Hospital is a four-doctor practice, and collaboration between our veterinarians is an important part of how we approach surgical care. While one veterinarian performs the procedure, other doctors are typically present in the hospital during surgery.

This allows our team to consult with one another when needed, and provides an additional level of support during surgical procedures. Each veterinarian brings their own experience and perspective, and that collaboration helps ensure your pet receives thoughtful, attentive care.

To schedule an appointment call us at (252) 407-1616, text us at (252) 557-8624, request a visit online, or connect through the client portal.